Production # 1060 page 4 by ric gustafson
In March of 1938, Ray Bolger was called into Mervyn Leroy's office. He was told that he was to be the Tin Woodman in the Wizard of Oz. His response was not enthusiastic. Bolger was interested in playing the Scarecrow instead. Fred Stone who played the Scarecrow in the 1902 version was an idol of Bolger's.
Bolger started in vaudeville and then went to Broadway. In 1935, he did one picture for MGM at $ 20,000 a week. On April 11 1936, he signed a long term contract for $ 3,000 a week. On set, he enjoyed playing the races and watching his bookie show up every Friday. One month after the Wizard of Oz wrapped, Bolger asked to be released from his contract.
Bolger's largest success came a decade later with a musical called ' Where's Charley' in which Bolger would star for nearly four years.
In the end, Bolger would get his wish and play the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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